layout for 60 inch maple stave

[tgr]

Hello, Any specific layouts or plans?  I'm looking to have a bend through handle 50+ lbs at 28.
Thanks ahead

tgr

[PEARL DRUMS]

If it were my project I would make it 1 3/4" wide to just past mid limb and taper to 1/2" or so tips. I would also narrow the handle area down to about 1 5/8 and slighty thicker to compensate. Toast the belly a nice brown and you will lengthen the life of your bow and and some snap to it with less set.

[tgr]

Thanks, I was also going to back it with deer raw hide that I made.

[tgr]

When would you heat the belly? Is that after tillering?

TR

[PEARL DRUMS]

After about 50% tillering. Thats how I do it anyway. Everybody has an opinion.

[Stingray45]

I usually toast the belly after I'm done tillering, but that's usually because I've come in underweight and I'm trying to add weight. But also after I toast the belly I go through and stretch everything out again and retiller where necessary. So you may want to do it mid-weight through the tillering process.

[tgr]

thanks

[tgr]

Any body ever try that salt water curing I read about?  Something about compressing the crystals in the wood.  I guess heat treating the belly would do the same thing.  Any thoughts?

TR